The informational graphics in the “Big Oil + Bad Air” investigative series by InsideClimate News in conjunction with the Center for Public Integrity have been awarded a Sigma Delta Chi award by the Society of Professional Journalists.

The graphics, by ICN’s Paul Horn and reporter Lisa Song, detail the process of fracking the Eagle Ford Shale in south Texas and how its toxic air emissions have created a public health threat in the region. The investigation showed how little Texas officials knew about the pollution and its impact on the people of the region and how the state government remains intent on keeping regulations to a minimum despite those impacts. The award was given for the main story in the series, “Fracking Boom Spews Toxic Air Emissions on Texas Residents.“

The series was the result of an eight-month investigation by a team of ICN reporters along with reporters from CPI. The Weather Channel contributed an online documentary. The collaboration has been honored with several awards, including the National Press Foundation’s Stokes Award, an EPPY award from Editor & Publisher, a health care reporting award and was a finalist in the Investigative Reporters & Editors Awards.

The award-winning graphics from “Fracking Boom Spews Toxic Air Emissions on Texas Residents,” click images to enlarge: